Free Festive Things to do in Tees Valley

Tees Valley is guaranteed to be on your nice list this Christmas with plenty of festive fun that won’t cost you a penny.

Enjoy enchanting trails, Christmas singalongs and a traditional Victorian fairground. Watch dazzling parades light up Tees Valley and meet Santa and his real reindeer.

Stockton Sparkles Victorian Fair

28 November - 1 December 

Head to Stockton High Street as Stockton Sparkles Victorian Fair is back for the festive season. Hop onto the carousel or ride the ‘Chair-o-Planes’, before enjoying the view on the 50-foot ferris wheel. All the family can have fun at this free fair! 

Celebration of Christmas – Hartlepool

17 December 

Head to Hartlepool’s historic Headland to sing your heart out in the beautiful surroundings of Hartlepool Borough Hall! Fill yourself with festive cheer whilst you sing-along to Christmas hits and classic carols.

Walking with The Snowman

2 November - 4 January 

Visit Middlesbrough Town Centre to enjoy walking with The Snowman this Christmas. Pick up a free map and follow the enchanting trail of 12 incredible sculptures of Raymond Briggs’ famous character, The Snowman. Discover the 12 days of Christmas across Middlesbrough and admire each snowman’s unique themed design. Snap an ‘elfie’ with each snowman and share across your social media. 

The Big Sing – Middlesbrough

15 December 

Wrap up warm and head to Captain Cook Square as Middlesbrough’s Big Sing is back! Get into the Christmas spirit by grabbing a song sheet and joining in the carols and festive favourites. 

Darlington Ice Sculpture Trail 

7 December 

Follow the festive frosty Darlington Ice Sculpture Trail for free. Spot some well-loved fictional characters and traditional Christmas designs around Darlington and watch a live ice carving in the Market Square! Enjoy interactive competitions, listen to live music and immerse yourself in street theatre too. 

Stockton Sparkles Sing-along

14 December 

Sing iconic Christmas classics and be part of the ultimate festive party at Sparkles Sing-along. Listen to live bands and festive karaoke or take part in ‘Christmas Bandeoke’. Join in with festive performances and enjoy the community choir’s finale. 
 

Festive Parades

Magical Middlesbrough Parade

1 December 

Kick start your festive season as the Magical Middlesbrough Parade takes to the streets. Watch Newham Grange Farm’s Daisy and Dan bunny mascots who will lead the route and guide Father Christmas and his elves to Middlesbrough Centre Square.

Stockton Sparkles Reindeer Parade

8 December 

See Santa, his elves and reindeer as his sleigh makes its way through Stockton Town Centre. Take ‘One Small Step’ to the themed community parade, as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of the moon landing with flurries of festive costumes. Finish your festivities with live music and a danceathon! 

Saltburn parade

30 November

Head to Saltburn Christmas Parade for a festive evening of fun. Don your best Disney costume at this themed event, before meeting Santa in his magical Grotto. 

Looking to enjoy more fabulous free events in Tees Valley? Brighten up your week at a Christmas Light Switch On or check out our Free things to do.